Worship Opportunities for Sunday, October 4th
Good morning and Happy Sunday.
This week marks the beginning of new series of series that have been developed with the help of Rev. Marjory Keiss and Rev. Ray Keiss. I appreciate their help in this collaborated effort.
May our hearts now united in worship as we offer God our highest praise.
Blessings.
-Pastor Kent
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Order of Worship for Sunday, October 4th
Call to Worship: Psalm 84
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Better is one day in your courts that a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
Opening Hymn: Better is One Day
Opening Prayer:
Ever-Loving God, we greet you today with thanksgiving. Your mercy are new morning and your love has not limits. Renew us with your Holy Spirit. Open our heart to the wonderful promises found in your word. Shape us into a reflection of your grace for we long to be know as your children. Receive our worship now as we offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture Lesson: Ephesians 2:8-10
Ephesians 2:8–10 (NRSV): 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
Pastoral Prayer:
God of grace and God of glory, pour your love on your people. Quiet the fears and worry that pull from your presence. Grant us strength to lift our prayers into your presence now. We pray for the sick, those stricken with cancer and those fighting a virus.
Our hearts ache over the pain, suffering, and loss of cause by COVID. Heal us, O Lord. Strengthen our doctors, nurses, and health professionals for the compassion work you have called them. Inspire the researchers and scientist as they seek to understand how best to keep us safe. Grant your wise console to our civic and religious leaders as they discern how to guide your children.
Remind us all of the depth of your compassion so that our fears and worries may melt in light of your love. Bring hope and restoration to your children caught in the aftermath of natural disasters. Protect the fire fighters, first responders, and soldiers working to bring about peace.
With these prayer we offer ourselves to your care. Make us to fit to be your partners, part of the answer the prayers of people crying out for your mercy and help. With love and adoration for Christ our Savior, we join with church across the globe, lifting the prayer Christ taught his followers to pray. . .
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and glory, forever. Amen.
Scripture Lesson: Philippians 1:3-6
Philippians 1:3–6 (NRSV): 3 I thank my God every time I remember you, 4 constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, 5 because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.
Message: Standing on the Promises – A Life Long Mission
Hymn: Standing on the Promises
Benediction:
Now, may the God of all grace, who has called us to eternal glory in Christ, establish you and strengthen you by the power of the Holy Sprit, to walk in his love and share his peace and extend his grace with one another and all you meet today. Go in peace. Amen.
Kent Smith, Pastor
Salem United Methodist Church
Weaverville, NC
(828) 645-6014